Computer Awareness for Competitive Exams - Part 1 - TNPSC Portal - Thervu Vazhikatti Current Affairs Magazine

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History Of Computers 

• Abacus was an oldest method of mathematical computations. Firstly used by by the  ancient Sumerians between 2700-2300 BC.
• Logarithms ( a printed table for mathematical calculations) was invented by John Napier in 1617.
• Pascaline - a calculating machine was invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642.
• Analytical Engine - a pioneer of computers was designed by a Mathematics Professor Charles Babbage .

Generations of Computers

First Generation ( Period 1945 – 1955 )

• First Electron Digital Computer was created by John V Atanasoff and Clifford Berry . The computer designed by them was called as Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).  
• Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was also created (1946)during this period.
• Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC 1) was created in 1951 . It was the first computer for commercial use.
• International Business Machine (IBM) was created in 1953.Vacum Tube was used.
• There  was no OS (Operating System)
• No multi tasking, only single task at a time.

Second Generation (Period 1955 – 1965)

• Vacum Tube was replaced by Transistors  
• Memory, Operating System, Storage Media, Printers were used.

Third Generation ( Period 965-1975)

• Integrated Circuit was used

Fourth Generation (Period 1975-1989)

• Microprocessor was invented by Ted Hoff during this period. Microprocessor consists of numerous Integrated Circuits (IC). 
• Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits used.

Fifth Generation (Period 1989-till date)

• ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology Circuit  is used.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is the highligh in this generation.

Types of Computer

1.Super Computers
2.Main Frame Computers
3.Mini Computers
4.Micro Computers
Note : The Desktops, Laptop or Note Book commonly used by us comes under Micro Computers .